Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
72 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
High, salt-tolerant
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Coastal Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
A native goldenrod found in coastal areas, distinguished by its thick, fleshy, evergreen basal leaves and showy plumes of yellow flowers in late fall. It is highly tolerant of salt spray and sandy soils. Its exceptional salt tolerance makes it invaluable for coastal gardens. The basal leaves are evergreen or semi-evergreen, providing some winter interest, and it is a critical nectar source for migrating monarch butterflies.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun with sandy or loamy, well-drained soil.
- This plant thrives in conditions that mimic coastal dunes.
- Dig a hole that is as deep as the pot and twice as wide.
- Place the plant in the hole, keeping the crown level with the soil.
- Backfill with the native soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Pro Tip
For a more compact and floriferous plant, cut stems back by half in early June. This encourages branching.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the sturdiest growth and best flowering.
- Use in gardens where salt spray is a problem.
- Allow it to self-sow to create naturalistic drifts.
- Appreciate its late bloom time for extending the garden season.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, compacted clay soil.
- Avoid planting in deep shade, which will cause weak, floppy stems.
- Don't fertilize; it prefers lean soil.
- Don't worry about it causing allergies; its pollen is not airborne.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Seaside Goldenrod questions
What zones can Seaside Goldenrod grow in?
Seaside Goldenrod is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Seaside Goldenrod deer resistant?
Yes — Seaside Goldenrod is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Seaside Goldenrod bloom?
Seaside Goldenrod typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Seaside Goldenrod need full sun?
Seaside Goldenrod does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Seaside Goldenrod drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Seaside Goldenrod handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Solidago to compare
Fireworks Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'
Bluestem Goldenrod
Solidago caesia
Showy Goldenrod
Solidago speciosa
Goldenrod Peter Pan
Solidago x hybrida 'Peter Pan'
Ohio Goldenrod
Solidago ohioensis
Golden Fleece Solidago Solidago Golden Fleece
Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece'
Keep exploring
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Grow Seaside Goldenrod with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
